The following are some insights taken from:
Marion G. Merkley, The Message of the
Master: Course 14 For Sunday Schools of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union Board, 1957)
Jesus Born in 4 B.C. Not
April 6, A.D. 1
The
probable date for the birth of Jesus was 4 B.C. (p. 11)
Moses and Elijah (not
Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist or Moses and John the Baptist) appeared
to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration
Jesus
stood transfigured before the apostles. Talking with Him were two heavenly
personages: Moses and Elijah (called Elias in the Gospels) had returned
to help prepare Jesus for the next phase of His ministry. The apostles listened
in awe while Jesus spoke with His visitors of His approaching crucifixion which
should take place in Jerusalem in fulfilment of the law (represented by Moses)
and the prophets (represented by Elijah), and of which Jesus had forewarned
them.
Peter
spoke in bewilderment, saying, “It is good for us to be here.” Then he proposed
that they build three tabernacles there, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one
for Elijah. Peter had not yet learned the meaning of the experience on Calvary.
Jesus could not be relieved of His responsibility as Moses had been on Mount Nebo;
neither could He be taken into heaven like Elijah, thus escaping death. He must
go to Jerusalem and be crucified between two thieves.
Moses and
Elijah departed, but the vision was not ended. For suddenly a cloud of bright
light overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud declared, “This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5). The
apostles fell to the ground and hid their faces in fear; but soon they raised
their heads and gazed all around them. The bright cloud had passed; the vision
was complete; they were alone with Jesus. (Luke 9:28-36). (p. 55)
